Enter your search keyword or phrase and press enter.

December 16, 2022

6 Castles to Visit in Rural Scotland

Do you want to see some beautiful castles? Then you have to head to Scotland for a tour. Click here to read about the best ones to visit.

If there is one thing that Scotland is known for, it is having some beautiful landscapes. You can enjoy everything from dramatic mountains to stunning beaches, with something new at every turn. In particular, people love to visit Scotland and see medieval castles. There are plenty of them that are still standing and where you can enjoy tours and learn about stories of the past. Let’s take a look at some of the best castles you can visit in rural Scotland.

Braemar Castle

Do you love majestic castles that look like they are from a movie? Well, you should check out Braemar Castle in Ballater. This is in a village in Aberdeenshire, which you are going to find in the north of Scotland. So, you will want to pack your warm clothes for this road trip. The castle belongs to the chief of Clan Farquharson, and there is a lot of history here. In particular, it is classed as a 17th-century castle, built back in 1628. There are even stories of there being ghosts.

Eilean Donan Castle

This next castle you have probably seen in many photos, but you may not recognise the name. Indeed, Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most famous places in the world. People love how enchanting it is, surrounded by mountains and set on an island at Loch Duich. You do not get any more picturesque than this castle. While the original from the 13th century was destroyed, it was rebuilt in order to look like a historic castle. You can learn about a lot of history here, including the Jacobite rising.

Balmoral Castle

Do you love everything to do with the Royal Family? Well, there is one castle that definitely has to make the list for the best place to visit in rural Scotland. We are talking about Balmoral Castle. Not only was it a residence loved by Queen Victoria, but Queen Elisabeth II also loved it here too. Indeed, she spent her remaining days at the castle, which still belongs to the Royal Family. When they are not staying here, you are able to tour the Castle Ballroom. In addition, you can explore the gardens that make this a beautiful place to be. The best thing you can do to explore Scotland is to enjoy motorhome hire. This way, you can drive up to Balmoral Castle and tour other places on the way.

Dunnottar Castle

Next is Dunnottar Castle. Again, this is definitely going to be a picturesque one and that is why you do not want to forget your camera. This castle is sat on top of rocks and on a cliff-top, which allows for views across the land. Indeed, it may be perched on the coast, but it is one that you will never forget. Being next to the sea is mesmerizing, and you can really explore Scotland’s history. It is believed that this site was used as far back as the Early Middle Ages. But, the castle you see is likely from the 15th and 16th centuries. So, make sure that you stop in Stonehaven if you want to see Dunnottar Castle in all of its glory.

Glamis Castle

You will find Glamis Castle sitting in Forfar, Angus. This castle has been around since the 14th century, and it was also the home of the Queen Mother, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. What’s more, this magnificent sight with the red stone was the inspiration for William Shakespeare when he wrote Macbeth. So, there are a lot of interesting facts about this place. For example, a visitor that everybody is likely to have heard of before is Mary, Queen of Scots. You are able to visit and tour inside Glamis Castle, which is why you should add it to your must-visit list for Scotland.

Craigievar Castle

Last but not least, there is Craigievar Castle. This might surprise you since the last thing you expected to find in Scotland was a pink castle. But, this is a sight you can enjoy and a stunning view of the Grampian Mountains. It has a Baronial architectural design, which includes turrets and even some gargoyles. It is thought that this castle was built back in the 17th century and it is definitely worth a visit. It has been owned by the same family for around 350 years and they take great pride in looking after it. It almost looks like a castle from a Disney movie.

Instagram / #Luxurialife